5 Things to Expect on Your First Build Day

On May 18th, Giveback Homes partnered with Keller Williams Beach Cities and Habitat for Humanity, Los Angeles, to build a home for a family in need in Inglewood, CA.It was our first build as the newest Giveback Homes team members, and we didn't know what to expect, but after a long and gratifying day, this is what we saw:

1. Nerves are Natural

You’ll be intimated when you first get to the site, but don’t worry. The Habitat crew is there to help and no experience is necessary (even if you really want to try that high power nail gun).

2. Hard Work... and Sweat

Building a house is not the easiest task. We were taught to maintain the mentality of “building like it’s your own home” and to build with precision. It was hard work, but seeing the results and knowing that the home will help a family in need made it worth all the dirt and sweat.

3. Blame it on Yesterday's Crew

If you make a mistake, don’t worry! You can always blame it on yesterday’s build crew, as is custom with Habitat for Humanity. This running joke got us through lots of mishaps and kept us motivated throughout the long day.

4. New Friends

The one good thing about not knowing what you’re doing is that other people feel the same way. Learning how to use power tools and making building puns the entire day allowed us to make great friends (3 of which were named Todd).

5. Gratitude

You’ll be working with people who have dedicated countless hours to helping others and serving their community, which can’t help but make you feel proud to be there. At the end of the day, you walk away with a deeper appreciation for what goes into making a home.